At a funeral reception, an elderly woman laughed and enjoyed the cake, unaware she was saying goodbye to her own husband, illness had taken her memory of who she was and why she lived. That moving scene opens the sermon launching a series on God’s mission, based on Paul’s prayer in Colossians (Colossians 1). It shows that the answer to the question ‘who am I?’ does not begin with ourselves but with God’s story of salvation, from creation to the new creation, a story each of us can become part of. Listen and discover your place in a story greater than your own life.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Paul prays for the Colossians, most of whom he has never met, and gives thanks for their faith, love and hope (Colossians 1:3-5). How do these three words change the way we see our past, present and future?
- The Colossians heard the gospel from Epaphras, who not only spoke about Christ's love but also cared for them. What does his example teach you about the role of ordinary people in God's mission?
- We often introduce ourselves by what we do. What happens to your sense of identity when you see yourself first as a child of God rather than through your roles and achievements?
- The sermon described God's big story: creation, the fall, the promise, Jesus and the new creation. How does knowing that your life is part of this story shape the way you live ordinary days?
- Paul prays that knowing God's will would lead to a life worthy of the Lord and bearing fruit (Colossians 1:9-10). In what area can your life become a living sermon that draws others to Christ?
- God is already at work in your family, your workplace and among your friends. Who do you want to show care to or tell about Jesus this week, as you ask God how to join in what He is doing?
